As the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL) mega auction looms on the horizon, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) stands at a critical juncture in their quest for dominance in the IPL. With an opportunity to reset and rejuvenate the team’s lineup, SRH are keen to cultivate a competitive roster that can consistently challenge for the title.
Following a commendable performance in the 2024 season, where they narrowly missed out on the final, the franchise is eager to construct a stronger unit. In this context, the inclusion of Abdul Samad is poised to play a significant role in the team’s future strategy.
Here are three reasons why SRH may retain Abdul Samad
1. A steady contributor since IPL 2020
Samad has been an integral part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad since joining the squad in 2020. At just 22, he has already established himself as a valuable asset in the middle order. Known for his explosive batting style, particularly during the death overs, Samad boasts an impressive strike rate of 168.52 in the previous edition.
While his contributions in the previous IPL season may have seemed limited, his ability to strike the ball powerfully makes him an appealing option for the team, especially alongside formidable players like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen. Retaining Samad would ensure that SRH have a potent mix of hard hitters, vital for enhancing their batting lineup.
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2. Recent form signals promising potential
Samad’s recent performances in domestic cricket have underscored his potential as a game-changer. Notably, he made headlines in the Ranji Trophy by becoming the first player from Jammu and Kashmir to score two centuries in a single match during an Elite Group A game against Odisha.
In the first innings, Samad showcased his aggressive batting style, scoring 127 runs off 117 balls, including 9 sixes and 6 fours. This impressive performance enabled Jammu and Kashmir to set a total of 270. His second innings saw him unleash an unbeaten 108 runs off 108 balls, showcasing a strike rate exceeding 100 and featuring six sixes and five fours.
This stunning display of talent highlights his capability as an aggressive batter, aligning perfectly with SRH’s preference for dynamic players who can alter the course of a game. As the team looks to bolster its batting lineup, Samad’s current form makes a compelling case for his retention.
3. A versatile asset with bowling skills
While Samad is primarily recognized for his batting prowess, his contributions as a bowler cannot be overlooked. As a right-arm leg-break bowler, he offers SRH an additional option in their bowling attack, particularly useful on Indian pitches that favour spin. His bowling skills were evident during the IPL and recently in the Ranji Trophy, where he proved effective against opposition batter. This dual capability as both a batter and a bowler enhances his value to the team, allowing for greater strategic flexibility.
By retaining Samad as an uncapped player, SRH would not only secure a powerful middle-order batter but also a reliable spin option, further strengthening their squad for the upcoming season.
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